Effect of Compressive Cryotherapy on Pain intensity and Swelling among Patients Post Knee Arthroscopy

Background: Following a knee arthroscopy, discomfort and swelling are common in the early post-operative phase. For patients, it is crucial to minimize discomfort and swelling in the knee, but these conditions can also make it more difficult for them to adhere to early physiotherapy and postpone rehabilitation. Reduction of pain and swelling following knee arthroscopy has been demonstrated using compressive cryotherapy. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate effect of compressive cryotherapy on pain intensity and swelling among patients post knee arthroscopy. Setting: the study was carried out at the inpatient departments of El-Hadara Orthopedic and Traumatology University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Materials and Method: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Data were collected from 60 adult patients scheduled for knee arthroscopic were included and divided randomly into two equal groups (control and study). Biosociodemographic Structured Interview Schedule ,Numerical Rating Scale-11 (NRS-11) and Post Knee Arthroscopy Circumference Measurements (in centimeters) are tools were utilized for data collection . Results: After compressive cryotherapy, the study group's pain intensity decreased significantly (MCp=<0.001*) by (0.0%) as opposed to the control group's (46.7%). Additionally , the study group's mean swelling value decreased from 44.23±2.40 to 42.93±1.64 and the control group's from 48.13±2.34 to 47.57±2.60, respectively . Conclusion and recommendations : Following the application of compressive cryotherapy, the study groups' pain intensity and knee swelling significantly decreased compared to the control group in the first and second post-operative days. :To obtain conclusions that are more broadly applicable, the current study should be replicated using a larger statistical sample size drawn from various areas and a longer follow-up time.